Watch for These Baby Names in 2023: Predicting Next Year’s Most Fashionable Options

What baby names will be trendy in 2023? Only time will tell, but the baby names experts at the name database, Nameberry, have their fingers on the pulse of name trends. They have just released their predictions of the baby names that will become real contenders next year. New parents today are more adventurous than ever before when it comes to choosing appellations for their children. This means that names that will likely be popular in 2023 come from various naming traditions, eras, styles, and popularity levels.

Nameberry’s editors expect vintage names to come back along with new international baby names that are ripe for the picking. Further, they also believe that word names will continue to dominate, and that is true for unisex baby names as well. If you would like to gaze into a crystal ball with us, we’ve got predictions for the baby names that will be very popular in 2023. Discover them below.

Alden

Alden is an English name that means “old and wise.” Thanks to the actor Alden Ehrenreich, the appellation is getting more attention than it has in decades. The baby name peaked in 1911, but it has made considerable gains in recent years. Conventional wisdom is that the name is one for baby boys, but this name can easily be given to a girl as well.

Archie

Yes, the Harry and Meghan effect is very much real. Thanks to the royals choosing Archie for their son, the name is enjoying a renaissance in the US. The name fell off the popularity charts decades ago because of its association with Archie Bunker. Now, Americans are following in the Brits’ footsteps (Archie has been a top 100 baby name in the UK for a century). Archie is a diminutive form of Archibald, of German origin, meaning “truly brave.”

Billie

Boyish nicknames like Frankie and Charlie are on the rise, Nameberry notes. The same is true for Billie, which fell out of the top 1000 baby names for girls in 1997 only to return in 2021. Pop sensation Billie Eilish has helped put this name back on the map! Billie is a diminutive form of William, meaning “resolute protector.”

Breland

As with all the English surnames turned given names, Breland is absolutely a gender-neutral choice. However, the “Bree” beginning is causing parents to consider this one for girls over boys. Names that end in -land have become trendy, and this one will likely join the bunch in 2023. Breland’s root means “wet meadow.”

Celeste

The Social Security Administration began recording baby name data in 1880. Every year since then, Celeste has ranked in the top 1000. Never too popular but never overlooked, this name could make waves in 2023. Technically, the name is unisex, but it’s never been given to many baby boys. Celeste is of Latin origin and means “heaven.”

Cosmo

After Scarlett Johansson chose Cosmo for her son in 2021, the baby name got an immediate boost. Prior, the appellation had not been widely used in the US since 1926. Cosmo is poised to soar in 2023 as more and more parents find the name unique and cute. Cosmo originated in Greek and means “order” and “beauty.”

Elio

One of the hottest baby names for boys in France and Switzerland is Elio. American parents finally caught on in 2021 when the name first ranked in the US top 1000. Elio is an Italian and Spanish name, a form of Helios, a sun god. Thus the name means “sun.” Nameberry notes that the name will be used in an upcoming Disney/Pixar movie that will only drive more parents to the name.

Everest

Everest became a real possibility for parents over the last couple of years. The unisex name belongs to the world’s tallest mountain, proving not insurmountable as a baby name. This one is going to more boys than girls, as parents are seeing it as a sort of Everett with a twist. But, Ever-beginning names are hot for girls. Just look at Everly’s current popularity.

Halston

Halston will be trending for boys in 2023, but like Everest, it can go to baby girls as well. It’s another one of the English surnames that are getting new life as given names. The root of it means “hallowed stone.”

Jolene

A name that’s strictly for girls, Jolene peaked in popularity in 1974. Dolly Parton‘s song of the same name is now doubt pulling parents into Jolene’s charms. Parton has been in the news for her many humanitarian efforts in recent years, which is likely the cause for this name to come back from obscurity. Jolene first ranked in 1928, and it is a relatively new invention. We are so happy to see this appellation, with a lullaby baked in, return.

Linus

Linus was most popular in the US in the 1880s, but it could top that in 2023 and 2024. Long avoided because of its association with Peanuts, parents today are overlooking that connection and going for it. Linus is a name for boys of Greek origin that means “flax.” According to Greek mythology, Linus is the inventor of rhythm and melody, an excellent connection for music-loving parents.

Louise

From 1991 to 2016, the baby name Louise fell completely off the popularity charts. The name was stunningly popular in the first half of the twentieth century, so it’s wild how it fall from fashion so dramatically. Louise is on the climb again! Louise is a lovely French name with vintage charm that means “renowned warrior.”

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Luxury

The name Lux has been trendy for the last couple of years, and the editors at Nameberry think Luxury is the next logical step. We could see it used for both boys and girls and most parents will likely choose Luxury as a baby name to get to the nickname Lux. Luxury, of course, means “opulence.”

Marigold

After the smash hit, Downtown Abbey used the name Marigold, the name got a real boost in the US. However, the baby name has never been in the top 1000 in the US! That will likely change. Parents are starting to move away from botanical names like Juniper and Magnolia, which once seemed novel. Marigold could be the next hit nature name. You better believe this name means “golden flower.”

Noah

“Noah is already hugely popular,” you might be thinking. You’re right! In fact, it’s so popular many parents have started to use it for their baby girls. Just a few years ago, this would have been unthinkable. But contemporary parents are all about flipping the gender binary. Noah is a name of Hebrew origin, and it means “motion.”

Omri

Omri is a massively popular name in Israel today. Traditionally, the name has been given to baby boys. The biblical name is one of the Kings of Israel, related to the harvest. Thus, the appellation means “my sheaf.” This name will likely become a hit in the US as it has a soft, inviting sound similar to the favorite Arlo.

Romy

Romy has a long history as a nickname for Roman, Rome, Roma, Romana, and Rosemary. It can easily go to any baby. The name is currently favored across Europe, including the UK. It will likely cross the pond in 2023. It’s got such a casual, romantic flare to it. There’s a lot to love.

Rose

Rose was a top 100 baby name before the 1960s. We can see it climbing back into that club in 2023. Rose has been among the most popular middle names for girls for the last ten years. This beautiful botanical name is as timeless as baby names come.

Sayer

Sayer is an occupational name for a “woodcutter” or “one who recites poetry and shares the news.” Yes, there were town sayers before the invention of the printing press. With the popularity of Sawyer and Skyler, Sayer could be the new one to beat in 2023. This baby name has traditionally gone to boys, but why not girls?

Sunday

Why let Wednesday have all the fun? Sunday is currently the second most popular day name in the US. It could overtake Wednesday (but we will have to see what fans of the Netflix series will do). Sunday is an English word from Latin and means “day of the sun.” Surprise! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban chose the name for their daughter, so it will likely be a hit.

Tru

Tru, in all of its forms, will continue to be trendy in 2023. The Tru spelling is already a rising star for boys. We think it works beautifully for any baby. Yes, this is just a funny spelling of True, but somehow the Tru spelling makes it feel fresh and modern.

Wilde

The dark horse for baby names in 2023? Wilde could be a massive hit. Wilde is an English surname that indeed means “wild.” It’s a sort of hero name that celebrates the clever Oscar Wilde. We like this name for any baby.

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Yuna

Did you know that the name Yuna is found in Japanese, Breton, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and more naming traditions? It’s a real multicultural hit. Today, it’s a big deal baby name for girls in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Because the name is ubiquitous around the world, it has countless meanings. Possibilities include “kindness,” “desired,” “gentleness,” “citrus fruit,” and “superior.”

There you go! Now you know what baby names will likely be trendy in 2023. Baby name predictions are tricky, but we trust the folks at Nameberry know what they are talking about. If you would like to discover even more baby name possibilities, take a look at these vintage baby names that will make a comeback very soon.

Vintage Names for Girls Set to Comeback

Vera

Vera is a name of Russian origin that means “faith.” Vera was most popular in the US in the first decade of the 20th century. The name has been quietly on the rise since 2009 but its popularity today pales in comparison to its former glory 100 years ago.

Sylvia

Sylvia is a name of Latin origin that means “from the forest.” Sylvia was a top 100 name from 1932 to 1948. It had been on a downward trend until the 2010s when it showed a slight uptick in new parents choosing the name. Could this classic re-enter the top 100 once more? We’ll have to keep an eye for it to see.

Nellie

Nellie saw its most popular year on record in 1885. It ticked down each year that followed before going virtually unused from the 1970s until 2019 when it re-entered the US top 1000 names. That does not mean it is a popular choice. But, it soon could be!

Nora

Nora is an Irish diminutive form of Honora, a name of Greek origin that means “light.” It is curious how this name ended up on the list because the name has been on a steady climb in the US since 2000. However, we included it along with the other names from the study.

Millicent

Millicent is a name of German origin that means “strong in work.” It saw its most popular year in the US in 1927. The name has gone largely unused since the 1960s. It offers you the adorably old-fashioned nickname, Millie. This one has been off the charts for so many decades it will be a wonder if it ever returns.

Martha

Martha is an ancient name of Aramaic origin that means “lady.” The name had been in a freefall for decades from the 1950s until its fortunes began to change in 2012. The name is uncommon for baby girls today but it has been teasing a comeback ever since the 2010s. We shall see.

Marjorie

The name Marjorie is closely associated with the herb marjoram. However, Marjorie is a Scottish form of the name Margaret, meaning “pearl.” The name peaked in popularity in the US in the 1920s, climbing into the top 20 most popular names for girls. After 100 years, parents are taking notice of this charmer once more.

Hazel

Hazel is another name that has rebounded in recent years. The name is of English origin and it means “hazelnut tree.” The appellation was most popular in the US in 1897. Could it return to the top 20 most popular names for girls? It’s likely!

Ethel

Ethel is a name of English origin that means “noble maiden.” It was most popular in the US, reaching the top 10 in 1896. The name has gone practically unused for decades, last ranking in the top 1000 in the 1970s. This name sounds a bit clunky to us but maybe we are in the minority. We will be surprised to see this one return.

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Annie

Annie is an English diminutive form of Ann, which is of Hebrew origin, meaning “grace.” Annie is one of the nickname-names that has always been mildly popular in the US. As a given name, it was most popular in the US in the 1880s! It declined for decades after that but it has very slowly been inching up in favor since the 1970s.

Vintage Names for Boys That Are Ripe for a Comeback

Victor

Victor has been an evergreen favorite in the US since the recording of baby name data began in 1880. However, it has sunk to its lowest level of popularity ever in recent years. We know parents will return to this established winner. Victor is of Latin origin and means “conqueror.”

Sidney

Sidney was most popular in the 1910s and it hung on for decades before falling completely from fashion for baby boys. In recent decades, the name has done better for baby girls but it has also fallen from fashion for them too with parents opting for the Sydney spelling for girls. Sidney is a name of French origin that means “Saint-Denis.”

Roland

Roland has not been a hot name since the 1940s. Maybe it’s time for a comeback? The name is of German origin and means “famed through the land.”

Raymond

Raymond was a top-50 choice for baby boys in the US until the 1970s. Since then, the name has seriously been on the decline. Raymond is a name of German origin that means “wise protector.” We have always been fond of the nickname Ray and hope to continue hearing more of this name in the future.

Percival

Percival was a name that was last mildly popular in 1902! With over 100 years of neglect, is it possible for this appellation to stage a comeback? Percival is a name of French origin that means “one who pierces the valley.” Many people think that Percy is a nickname for Percival, and it can be, but Percy is a standalone Norman name that refers to a place called Perci-en-Auge

Leonard

The last two decades have seen the classic name Leonard perform as poorly as ever. We imagine it has only hung on to mild popularity because it has been passed down as a family name. Leonard is a name of German origin that means “brave lion.”

Herbert

Herbert peaked in the late 1920s and has been falling and falling ever since. The name is of German origin and means “bright army.” Only time can tell if this name will ever come back into fashion.

Gilbert

Gilbert started to really go out of fashion in the 1960s. It is only given to a handful of boys each year these days. The name is of German origin and means “shining pledge.”

Bernard

By the 1970s, Bernard was seen as an old-fashioned and stuffy choice. It’s officially considered an old man’s name today. Bernard is also of German origin and means “brave as a bear.”

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Basil

Yes, an herb but also an ancient name from the Greeks. The name peaked in the 1940s. The name means “regal.” Despite that fabulous meaning, the name has not been used since 1971. Bring this baby back, new parents!

What do you think of these predictions? Will names like Ethel and Gilbert really come back? Only time will tell but we feel like many of the names on this have already started to return to favor.